Earth may have had a second, smaller moon that smacked into the larger one, which explains why one side of the moon is more rugged than the other.
Searching remote mountains in Borneo, scientists discover a group of brightly colored rainbow toads, a species last seen in 1924 and believed to be extinct.
Elephants have social networks ranging from four to 16 “friends.” As with people, the smaller the circle, the stronger and more loyal the bond.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Good news: the wage gap between men and women in science is smaller than in other fields. Bad news: women still earn 12 percent less.
A Swedish man was arrested for unauthorized possession of nuclear materials after trying to split atoms in his kitchen. “It is just a hobby,” he wrote on his Web site.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
